CWEL Research

The documents provide guidelines for preserving trees during and after lawn removal, emphasizing the risks of improper turf removal and irrigation changes that can lead to tree decline. They outline best practices for protecting tree roots, adjusting irri...

The amount of water retained in a landscape is influenced by various factors, such as irrigation scheduling, existing slopes, and soil type. For instance, soil rich in clay may produce considerable runoff during an irrigation event, while soil dominated b...

This fact sheet includes a water-wise list of ornamental trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, and ground covers. The plants on the list are (1) water-conserving, (2) adapted to Utah’s arid climate and cold winters, (3) available in th...

The adaptation of native plants of Utah to local soils, moisture, temperatures, and pests make them prime candidates for sustainable, low-water landscaping that also fosters habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (10 inches of annual rainfall in Moab) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants. Since landscape irrigation is the single largest residential use of water, efficiently us...

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (19 inches of annual rainfall in Tooele County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Mulch can provide many benefits in water-wise landscapes. Mulch covers the soil and prevents crusting, compaction, and water evaporation. In fact, mulching around trees, shrubs, and in flower beds can result in a ten-fold reduction in evaporative water lo...

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (6 inches of annual rainfall in Hanksville) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (14 inches of annual rainfall in Summit County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Brochure describing 10 different low water trees for use in a central Utah landscape.

Brochure describing 10 low water perennials best for the central Utah town of Eagle Mountain.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (16 inches of annual rainfall in Wasatch County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (5.5 to 8.5 inches of annual rainfall in Emery County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (14.7 inches of annual rainfall in Juab County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants. Since landscape irrigation is the single largest residential use of water, effic...

The purpose of this series of publications is to recommend plants and landscape management procedures for various regions of the state. This edition targets the communities of the high mountain valleys of the state (Rich, Morgan, Summit, and Wasatch count...

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (10 inches of annual rainfall in Beaver County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8 inches of annual rainfall in Millard County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8 inches of annual rainfall in Uintah County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Apache plume is an evergreen shrub that can reach five feet tall and wide in a landscape setting. This plant’s most distinguishing and attractive feature is the feathery, redturning-pink seedhead that emerges after the white rose-like, five-petaled flower...

This fact sheet provides descriptions of 16 tree species that are less commonly planted in Utah towns and cities.

Scheduling irrigation according to landscape plant water needs can reduce excess water use. In addition to conserving water, proper irrigation can encourage deeper root growth and healthier, more drought tolerant landscapes.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (10.6 inches of annual rainfall in Iron County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants. Since landscape irrigation is the single largest residential use of water, effic...

Brochure describing 10 low water grasses best for the central Utah town of Eagle Mountain.

"Written in an easy to follow format, this book will be beneficial to anyone wanting to install a new xeriscape landscape or renovating a traditional landscape to a more xeric landscape." -James E. Klett, author of Best Perennials for the Rocky Mountains...

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8 inches of annual rainfall in Monticello) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Landscape irrigation is the single largest residential use of water. The efficient use of that water is a very effective way of conserving precious water resources.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (18 inches of annual rainfall in Morgan County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Document describing recommended plants for low-water landscaping in Eagle Mountain, Utah

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany is a marvelous large shrub to small tree that would look good in any ornamental landscape, but is especially adapted for low-water landscapes.

Brochure describing 10 low water shrubs best for the central Utah town of Eagle Mountain.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8 inches of annual rainfall in Washington County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Describes various products and methods to preserve your lawn.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8.12 inches of average annual precipitation, KSVC radio, 1893-2005) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

The goal of this fact sheet is to aid the homeowner in selecting plant material that will offer season-long interest in the landscape.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (6-8 inches of annual rainfall in Carbon County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

The DROUGHT database is based on an extensive review of literature of the water requirements for woody plants adapted to the Northern Utah region. It is intended to increase the resources available to the public to incorporate water-efficient principles a...

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8.4 inches of annual rainfall in Duchesne County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Bright scarlet flowers that shower from arching stems of firecracker penstemon have made this plant a favorite of many penstemon enthusiasts. The species is found throughout the West at elevations from 3,000 to 11,000 feet.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (13.4 inches of annual rainfall in Salt Lake County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (10 inches of annual rainfall in Sanpete County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (17 inches of annual rainfall in Cache County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (15 inches of annual rainfall in Fillmore) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8 - 10 inches of annual rainfall in Garfield County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

This Fact Sheet provides steps for an effective remodel of your landscape to low water use while still keeping existing trees.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (8 - 10 inches of annual rainfall in Kane County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Fact sheet explaining how to use ET to efficiently irrigate your landscape.

Despite what the snow-covered peaks might indicate, we are not as abundantly blessed with water as those who live in most other states. Without supplemental water, many of our plants and lawns would dry up and die.

Landscape irrigation is the single largest residential use of water. Efficiently using that water is a very effective way of doing your part to conserve water for the future.

Extremely drought-tolerant perennial to 5 feet, tall with a large mound of coarse foliage at the base and tall plumes of lemon yellow flowers in summer.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (24 inches of annual rainfall in Davis County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (14.5 inches of annual rainfall in Utah County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (17.6 inches of annual rainfall in Weber County) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

The following is a list of 15 plants for dry shady spots.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (14 inches of annual rainfall in Blanding) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

The first step in producing native plants with greater application in the landscape industry is to propagate or reproduce exceptional selections of these plants.

Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.), commonly called scrub oak, Rocky Mountain white oak, or Utah white oak, is native to the western part of the U.S., including Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Water conservation ideas on a budget.

Simple water-wise changes to conserve water without changing landscape.

A practical volume for the home or business owner on landscaping with native, drought-tolerant plants in the Rocky Mountain West. Filled with practical tips on landscape design, water-wise irrigation, weed control, and descriptions of over 100 native pla...

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer is the optimum seeding time in the St. George, Utah, area. The warmth and dryness of the soil in late summer is more advan...

This publication is a compilation of successful protocols from research literature for native woody plants in Utah. The guide is laid out much like a recipe; listing the various ingredients and materials for each 'dish', and step-by-step instructions to r...

Convenient and comprehensive, Water Wise provides specific information about shrubs, trees, grasses, forbs, and cacti that are native to most states in the Intermountain West, and that can be used in landscaping to conserve water, reflect and preserve the...

Description of dormancy in lawn grasses.

Our arid climate and low annual precipitation (17.25 inches of annual rainfall in Brigham City. 17.80 inches in Tremonton) make supplemental irrigation an essential requirement for many landscape plants.

This book gives homeowners and designers the confidence to create beautiful, low-water landscapes with examples of successful plant combinations in low-water gardens throughout the Intermountain West. The plant combinations are grouped together by water r...

Five easy ways to convert an existing landscape to a water-wise landscape without substantial renovation. These ideas are useful for people who would like to be Waterwise but do not have the time, resources, or expertise to renovate the existing landscape...

Fact sheet discussing the seven aspects of water-wise landscaping.

Since landscape irrigation is the single largest residential use of water, efficiently using that water is a very effective way of conserving precious water resources. Irrigating your landscape efficiently means you are doing your part to conserve water

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer is the optimum seeding time in northern Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for seed germinat...

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer/early fall is the optimum seeding time in southeast Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for s...

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer/early fall is the optimum seeding time in southeast Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for s...